The Effectiveness of Using Vibration Device to Ease Pain During Injections Into the Upper Extremity: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Vibratory stimulation is one of several non-pharmacological techniques used to reduce pain. Local vibration therapy generates vibrations that can penetrate up to 6 centimeters into the tissue and is utilized to manage muscle tone, alleviate localized pain, and induce an increase in blood and lymphatic circulation. This therapy is most commonly used to treat chronic pathologies of the muscles, tendons, and joints. A few studies investigating the effects of local vibration therapy on skeletal muscles and joints have found it to be beneficial in improving joint mobility and decreasing pain. Previous reports have indicated that whole-body vibration can suppress chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of vibration stimulation on upper extremity injection-induced pain and satisfaction.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of vibration stimulation application on upper extremity injection pain and satisfaction.

Methods: An electrical massage kit that induces vibration will be used on adult patients who are scheduled to receive local anesthesia or corticosteroid injections in their upper extremities. Two validated scales will be used to first assess the pain after the injection and the patient's satisfaction following the use of the vibration device.